An Orange County judge accused of killing his wife has pleaded not guilty and will continue to remain free on bail, though he’ll do so without his passport, weapons and alcohol.
Jeffrey Ferguson, 72, who faces a murder charge and felony enhancements in the shooting of his 65-year-old wife, Sheryl, at their Anaheim Hills home on Aug. 3, submitted to prosecutors’ stipulations to his release, as reported by Los Angeles Times reporter James Queally.
Ferguson, who faces 40 years to life in prison if convicted on all counts, is free on $1 million bail.
At prosecutors’ requests, Ferguson agreed to surrender his passport; remain in Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange counties; wear an ankle GPS monitor; allow his concealed weapon permit to be revoked; possess no guns, ammunition or alcohol; and avoid contact with his son who reported the shooting to police, except under certain circumstances.
The Fergusons’ adult son claimed that his father was drunk at the time.
After the attack, Ferguson reportedly told his court clerk and bailiff that he “just lost it” during an argument with his wife.
“I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry,” Ferguson allegedly wrote in a text message.
Because of Ferguson’s status as an Orange County judge, the case is being tried in Los Angeles County Queally said.
“His defense counsel maintains this was an accident and not a crime,” Queally added.